Chapter 1308: 321: Ancestral Secret dicine!
Ni Yang nodded, “There is still a second concubine.”
Strangely enough, Zhou Zixian was nowhere to be seen today.
Hearing this, Zhao Shuyue expressed surprise, “What era is this? How can there still be three wives and four concubines? Is that even legal?”
Ni Yang explained, “Brother Du is not a citizen of China.”
Zhao Shuyue nodded, “Oh, I see! That explains how he can still have three wives and four concubines.”
The two spoke quietly, and no one could catch what they were saying.
Chu Xiangyi arrived with tea and snacks.
“Thank you, sister-in-law,” Ni Yang thanked her politely.
Chu Xiangyi smiled, “We’re all family, no need to be formal.”
Then, Chu Xiangyi placed a plate of Hibiscus Cake in front of Zhao Shuyue, “Grandma Zhao, this Hibiscus Cake is soft and delicious—it’s perfect for elders. Try it; the flavor is excellent.”
“You’re too kind, Little Chu,” Zhao Shuyue said, slightly embarrassed.
Chu Xiangyi replied, “Yangyang and I are like real sisters. You don’t need to be so formal with .”
Chu Xiangyi was still dressed in an old-fashioned gown, her deanor gentle and gracious, leaving a very favorable impression on Zhao Shuyue.
Master Du and Mo Qishen sat opposite them. As he conversed with Mo Qishen, Master Du fiddled with the Buddha Beads in his hand.
Chu Xiangyi cast a discreet glance at Master Du, the emotion in her eyes carrying a trace of heartache.
He clearly adored Ni Yang, yet in front of her, he behaved as if he didn’t care at all. He continued chatting and laughing with Mo Qishen, without even so much as a sidelong glance at Ni Yang.
He was far too composed.
Composed to the point of being unrecognizable, not at all like the fierce figure who once held sway over Shanghai.
The Master Du she rembered had always been a force to be reckoned with, soone who never compromised for the sake of anyone.
This version of him was far removed from the man she used to know.
After a mont, Chu Xiangyi retracted her gaze and turned to Ni Yang, “Yangyang, Grandma Zhao, the gardenias in the courtyard have blood beautifully these past couple of days. Let’s go have a look.”
“Sure,” Ni Yang nodded.
Zhao Shuyue didn’t object.
The three made their way to the courtyard together.
The backyard of the Du residence was expansive, with an exquisitely arranged layout. In one corner, an abundance of gardenias blood, their fragrance wafting through the air—a sweetness that bordered on overwhelming.
Near the gardenias stood another plant with smaller buds. Ni Yang curiously asked, “Is that an orchid?”
Chu Xiangyi nodded, “Yes, it’s an orchid. Locals in Shanghai love threading orchids into bracelets to wear on their wrists.”
While she spoke, Chu Xiangyi began picking orchids.
Orchids are oval-shaped, much smaller than gardenias, and their fragrance is entirely different: more subtly aromatic and longer-lasting.
In no ti, Chu Xiangyi had crafted a bracelet. “Here, Yangyang, let help you put it on your wrist.”
Ni Yang extended her hand, and a pristine bracelet adorned her wrist. Ni Yang’s complexion was naturally fair, and the orchids accentuated the graceful, jade-like quality of her slender wrist.
“Sister-in-law, you’re so skillful.”
Chu Xiangyi said, “I’m from Shanghai; we learn this from a young age.”
After strolling in the courtyard for a while, they returned to the main hall.
Ni Yang approached Mo Qishen and extended her wrist. “Brother Mo, look at the bracelet my sister-in-law gave —doesn’t it look nice?”
Fittingly, Ni Yang’s cheongsam today was embroidered with orchid patterns, presenting a harmonious aesthetic.
“It’s beautiful,” Mo Qishen nodded slightly.
At that, Master Du cast a discreet glance at Chu Xiangyi.
Chu Xiangyi smiled at Master Du.
Master Du withdrew his gaze.
Ni Yang continued, “My sister-in-law just taught , so I made one for you as well. Hold out your hand.”
Mo Qishen extended his hand, indulgently letting Ni Yang fuss over it.
A grown man wearing a bracelet of flower buds couldn’t be called elegant, but Mo Qishen nonetheless smiled and said it looked good.
The three spent ti together until dusk before leaving.
Evening fell.
Master Du sat in the study room when a knock on the door sounded.
Knock, knock, knock.
“Co in,” Master Du said, his head remaining lowered.
Soft footsteps followed as Chu Xiangyi entered, carrying a tray with a bowl of tea. “Master.”
“What is it?” Master Du asked, discreetly sliding the cara in his hand into the desk drawer.
“Master, this is ginseng tea I recently brewed. Drink it while it’s hot,” Chu Xiangyi said as she placed the tea before Master Du.
Master Du didn’t respond imdiately, instead raising his gaze to look at Chu Xiangyi. His expression carried a hint of depth and complexity.
Chu Xiangyi had always been soone with no desires, no ambitions.
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